As we round out the last few days of October, it’s time to take a look back on National Women’s Small Business Month.
According to American Express’s The 2013 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, over 8.6 women own businesses in the USA – that’s a 59 percent increase from 1997. They employ about 7.8 million people and generate a collective revenue that tops $1.3 trillion. These are impressive statistics – and they are made more impressive by the fact that they continue to grow each day.
Forbes contributor Ty Kiisel asked some female entrepreneurs about the top insights that they would pass along to fellow businesswomen. They responded:
Educate Yourself: Make sure you take the time to learn how to run a business before you jump in with both feet.
Make sure to take the time to articulate a plan for your business: If you don’t know where you’re going, you might be disappointed where you wind up.
Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty: Sometimes leadership requires that you get into the trenches and do the work. Don’t be afraid to do it when it’s necessary.
Be honest with your employees: Always be upfront and honest. Always.
Be the part: Make sure you dress and act like the image you want to portray for your company.
Don’t talk about failure: Adapt and overcome every setback. Don’t allow yourself to focus on the negative but continue to push forward.
Related Post: Learn how this female entrepreneur balanced big growth with her business’s intrinsic values.
By the way, SBA hosted live Q&A sessions with female business experts throughout the month. If you missed out, don’t stress – transcripts are available online. Heads up: We thought that Business Opportunities for Young Women and Tips for Women Entrepreneurs Starting and Growing a Small Business were particularly insightful.
Image Credit: [Flickr / DGaston7564]
Categories: Startups , Strategy & Planning
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